Lung cancer

One of the ways cancers develop involves chronic inflammation that occurs deep in various parts of the body. Over time it can damage cellular DNA, triggering the abnormal behavior of cells and the risk of cancer. Cigarette smoking and environmental pollutants can trigger chronic inflammation in the lungs and are recognized causes of lung cancer. Sustained inflammation promotes cancer through various mechanisms, such as cell growth, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The risk of developing lung cancer and its progression can be affected by and monitored using different metabolic markers, which are specific biological molecules that accompany cancer development.

Important but little-known biological markers of cancer

Cancer markers used in cancer diagnosis and in monitoring its progression are proteins and other substances that tumor cells produce in larger quantities than healthy cells. The most examined markers in lung cancer are CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen), some hormonal peptides, and in breast cancer BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, estrogen/ progesterone receptors, and antigens such as CA15-3 or CA 27-29. However, other natural compounds can also identify the risk and impact of this disease. ApoE (apolipoprotein E) is among the best‐verified potential prognostic or diagnostic markers in many cancers. ApoE is a protein known for its function in transporting fatty molecules (a part of HDL lipoprotein), but it is also known for its ability to induce inflammation in the tumor microenvironment. Its high expression promotes cancer growth and migration and contributes to the aggressive clinical course of the disease.